Hinged Lid With Transparent Sections And Bristle Notch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container lids for outdoor food service are often left uncovered, allowing contamination from flies and other insects, and do not fit various container sizes, requiring the use of materials like aluminum foil or plastic wrap which are not effective in preventing contamination.
Innovation Solution
A hinged lid with transparent sections and a securing strap that allows easy access and secure closure, featuring a notch and flexible bristles to accommodate utensils and minimize contamination entry, suitable for various container sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the lid is made opaque or covered with aluminum foil, then the food contents are hidden from view, but the user cannot see the food without removing the cover, increasing the risk of contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The lid incorporates transparent or translucent material that allows light to pass through, enabling the user to see the food contents without removing the cover. This transparency maintains the protective barrier against contamination while providing visual information about the food.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lid is designed to fit various container sizes, then versatility is improved, but the sealing effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lid incorporates a flexible sealing element that can dynamically adapt to different container rim sizes and shapes. The flexibility allows the seal to conform to various geometries while maintaining effective contact, ensuring contamination prevention across different container types.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid design includes adjustable or interchangeable components that enable it to function effectively with multiple container sizes and shapes. This universality is achieved through features such as adjustable straps or elastic sealing elements that can accommodate varying dimensions while maintaining seal integrity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the lid is made fully sealed, then contamination is minimized, but access to food requires complete removal of the lid, complicating the serving process
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into separate sections or panels that can be independently opened. This segmentation allows the user to open only the portion needed for serving while keeping the rest of the lid closed and sealed, maintaining contamination protection while facilitating easy access to the food.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinged lid, for covering a container having an open top defined by an upper rim, comprises a substantially transparent pair of sections hingedly connected to one another along an axis about which at least one of the sections may pivot between closed and open positions. The sections further have respective peripheral portions with corresponding flat lower sides, which are substantially coplanar with one another in said closed position, thereby being engageable with the rim of the container so as to accommodate various sizes thereof and protect food in the container from flies or other contamination. According to one aspect of the invention, the pivotable section can have a notch with flexible bristles associated therewith to accommodate a serving utensil while also minimizing contamination of food in the container. According to another aspect, the invention can further include a strap for removably securing the other section to the container.